For decades, the FIFA World Cup has been football’s grandest stage. In 2026, it appears set to become something even larger.
As preparations gather pace for the first World Cup to be hosted across three nations the United States, Mexico and Canada, FIFA is planning an entertainment programme unlike anything the tournament has seen before. From a historic halftime show at the final to opening ceremonies featuring some of the world’s biggest music stars, organisers are aiming to turn the competition into a month long celebration of sport, music and culture.
The most significant change will arrive on 19 July 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium, where FIFA will stage the first halftime show in World Cup final history.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced earlier that the event would be developed in partnership with Global Citizen, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin helping to shape the production.
The move marks a notable shift for the tournament. While major sporting events in North America have long embraced large-scale entertainment during championship games, the World Cup has traditionally kept the focus firmly on football. FIFA now appears keen to expand that formula.
The final is expected to draw one of the largest television audiences in history, with billions of viewers anticipated across the globe.
Star-Studded Final Show
Among the headline performers already confirmed for the World Cup final halftime show are Shakira, BTS and Madonna .
For Shakira, the appearance represents another chapter in a relationship with football that spans more than a decade. Her 2010 World Cup anthem, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”, remains one of the most recognisable songs ever associated with the tournament.
Madonna’s inclusion adds one of pop music’s most influential figures to the lineup, while BTS brings one of the world’s most dedicated fan communities to football’s biggest stage.
FIFA has also revealed that characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets will make appearances during the show, adding a family-friendly dimension to the event.
Mexico to Launch the Tournament in Style
The tournament will begin in Mexico City with a lavish opening ceremony expected to showcase the country’s cultural influence alongside global music stars.
The lineup includes:
- Shakira
- Burna Boy
- Tyla
- J Balvin
- Alejandro Fernández
- Belinda
- Danny Ocean
- Lila Downs
- Los Ángeles Azules
- Maná
One of the ceremony’s most anticipated moments will be the debut live performance of “Dai Dai”, the official World Cup song recorded by Shakira and Burna Boy.
The pairing reflects FIFA’s growing emphasis on international collaboration, bringing together Latin pop and Afrobeats in a single anthem aimed at a global audience.
Canada’s Opening Ceremony Showcases Homegrown Talent
Canada’s opening celebrations are expected to highlight some of the country’s most recognisable musical exports.
Confirmed performers include:
- Michael Bublé
- Alessia Cara
- Alanis Morissette
- Jessie Reyez
- Nora Fatehi
- William Prince
- Elyanna
- Vegedream
- Sanjoy
The lineup combines established international stars with emerging artists, reflecting Canada’s multicultural identity and diverse music scene.
United States Ceremony Features Global and American Stars
The United States leg of the opening festivities will feature a blend of pop, hip-hop and international music talent.
The confirmed performers are:
- Katy Perry
- Future
- LISA
- Anitta
- Rema
Actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis is also expected to make a special appearance.
The lineup reflects FIFA’s efforts to appeal to audiences across continents, bringing together artists whose influence stretches from North America and Latin America to Asia and Africa.
Africa’s Growing Presence on Football’s Biggest Stage
African artists are expected to play a particularly prominent role throughout the tournament.
Burna Boy stands at the centre of FIFA’s entertainment plans. Beyond performing the official tournament song, he will headline portions of the opening celebrations and serve as one of the leading faces of the World Cup’s music campaign.
Tyla, whose rapid rise has made her one of Africa’s most successful young artists, is also expected to feature prominently in opening events.
Meanwhile, Nigerian superstar Rema has secured a place in the United States celebrations, further underlining Afrobeats’ growing influence on the global music industry.
Their involvement reflects a broader trend. African music has become one of the fastest-growing genres worldwide, and FIFA appears determined to place that influence at the heart of its biggest tournament.
What Fans Can Expect
A World Cup Unlike Any Before
The introduction of a halftime show represents a major departure from tradition and signals FIFA’s intention to expand the event beyond football alone.
More Celebrities Than Ever
Fans can expect appearances from musicians, actors, digital creators and public figures throughout the tournament, both inside stadiums and across official broadcasts.
A Social Media Phenomenon
The combined online following of artists including BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy, Tyla, LISA, Rema and Katy Perry reaches hundreds of millions. Their involvement is expected to generate enormous engagement across social media platforms throughout the competition.
A Truly Global Soundtrack
The music programme spans multiple genres, including:
- Afrobeats
- Latin music
- K-pop
- Hip-hop
- Pop
- Rock
- Regional music from host nations
The result is likely to be the most internationally diverse entertainment offering ever assembled for a World Cup.
Record-Breaking Viewership
FIFA expects the tournament and its entertainment events to attract audiences in the billions, potentially making the final halftime show one of the most-watched performances in television history.
More Than Just Football
The World Cup has always been a sporting event, but FIFA’s plans for 2026 suggest an ambition to create something broader: a global cultural moment.
With Shakira returning to the tournament spotlight, Burna Boy helping lead the official music campaign, BTS bringing K-pop’s enormous influence, and stars such as Madonna, Tyla, Rema, LISA, Katy Perry, Anitta and J Balvin joining the celebrations, the tournament is poised to blend football and entertainment on a scale never previously attempted.
Whether traditional football supporters embrace the changes remains to be seen. What is clear is that FIFA is preparing a World Cup that aims to capture not only the attention of football fans, but also music lovers and popular culture audiences around the world.
If those plans unfold as intended, the 2026 FIFA World Cup may be remembered not only for the matches played on the pitch, but for the spectacle surrounding them.
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